Molecular and crystal design of nonlinear optical organic materials

The results of theoretical and experimental studies on the second-order molecular and crystal nonlinear optical susceptibilities of organic and several classes of organoelement compounds are summarised. Modern methods used in these studies are briefly characterised, their advantages and drawbacks are outlined as regards their application to the systematic search for efficient nonlinear optical materials. Recent achievements and the main challenges in the field are thoroughly discussed and an optimum algorithm of the design of such materials is proposed.